Tea Time Purse

"'And ever since that,' the Hatter went on in a mournful tone, '[Time] won't do a thing I ask! It's always six o'clock now.'
A bright idea came into Alice's head. 'Is that the reason so many tea-things are put out here?' she asked.
'Yes, that's it.' said the Hatter with a sigh: 'it's always tea-time, and we've no time to wash the things between whiles.'"

It's hard to believe Spring is just around the corner with the Snowquester that is pounding us today, but it is! And that means the season for showers, brunches, and tea parties is upon us, and of course you'll need the perfect purse for occasions such as these.

This pattern is actually a Crochet Kitten classic. It was originally designed for a California trip The Animator and His Wife took several years ago, but it was previously only published in our eBook, A Very Crochet Unbirthday. We thought we'd share it today for those of you who are snowed in with us.

Rnd 9. Ch 3, skip first dc, (dc in next ch-1 sp and next dc) 3 times, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, *(dc in next dc and next ch-1 sp) 3 times, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around. Join with sl st in first dc. 108 dc.

Rnd 10. Ch 3, skip first dc, dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc; rep from * around. Join with sl st in first dc. 120 dc.

Rnd 11. Ch 3, skip first dc, dc in next 8 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *dc in next 9 dc, 2 dc in next dc; rep from * around. Join with sl st in first dc. 132 dc.

Finish off. Repeat rnds 1-11 for second panel.

Lining

Lay each panel flat on fabric to be used for lining. Use panels as templates, and cut fabric around the panels leaving a 1” to 1/2" margin, depending on how much “give” is desired. Sew the two fabric panels together around the edges, leaving a 6” opening at the top. Hem top edge, trimming excess fabric.

Assembly

Place crocheted panels wrong sides together. Join yarn with sl st through both panels in any dc of last rnd. Ch 1; do not turn.
Sc in same ch as joining and next 33 dc; place first stitch marker for bottom edge. Sc in next 32 dc; place second stitch marker for bottom edge. Sc in next 33 dc; leave rem dc un-worked. Finish off. 99 sc.

Bottom Edge

Thread six 8mm beads onto yarn, then join yarn with sl st in same stitch as second marker placed for bottom edge.

Row 1. Ch 1, then working toward first stitch marker placed for bottom edge, sc in same sc as joining, sc in next sc, *ch 5, sl st in third ch from hook; picot made. Ch 3, skip next 4 sc, sc in next sc; rep from * 5 times, sc in same sc as first stitch marker. 6 picots.

With yarn, ch 240. Finish off, then make a second chain of 240. Finish off.
With ribbon, ch 180. Finish off.
Braid the two yarn chains together with the ribbon chain, knotting the braid together at each end. Sew one end of the braid into each corner of the Top Edge of the Baguette.

Finishing

Sew one 15mm button in each of the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on rnd 10 of the front panel. Sew one 9mm button in each of the remaining number positions. Embroider clock hands with remaining 1/8” ribbon. Sew last 15mm in center of clock face.
Sew lining in place at Top Edge of baguette, leaving shell edge free. Sew zipper in place according to zipper instructions.
Weave in all ends.